Albany, NY (January 14, 2002) - - - Passenger enplanements at the Albany International Airport soared to a record high during 2001. Air travel figures released today show that 1,517,858 passengers boarded planes at the Airport during 2001, an increase of 74,991 or 5.2% over the previous record of 1,442,867 set in 2000. When combined with 1,501,952 deplanements, over 3 million passengers used the Albany International Airport during 2001.
"Our growth in passenger traffic can be attributed to Albany's lower fares, improved service and continued confidence in the nation's system of air travel," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "We enter the new year with a heightened awareness of passenger safety, and a renewed commitment to customer service and expanding air service for the business and leisure travelers of the greater Capital Region."
US Airways continued as the Airport's predominant carrier in 2001. US Airways' enplanements totaled 405,904 or 27% of the Airport's total enplanements. Southwest Airlines, which completed its first full year of service at Albany International Airport, finished second with 317,734 enplanements (21%).
Continental Connection, which began service in December of 2000, also recorded a dramatic increase in passengers with enplanements increasing from 1,984 to 36,442. Continental Connection has steadily increased its flights from Albany and now operates 42 commuter flights each day to destinations in the Northeast.
| Air Canada | +61.5% | | American | -14.9% |
| American Eagle | -29.4% | | Continental | +14.9% |
| Continental Connection | +1836.8% | | Delta-Delta Express | -24.1% |
| Northwest | +3.1% | | Southwest | +55.2% |
| United | +4.9% | | United Express | +9.8% |
| US Airways | +2.4% | | US Airways Express | -13.8% |
Currently, the airlines serving Albany International Airport operate 124 daily departures to 27 non-stop destinations. The Airport's primary catchment area includes 13 surrounding counties with a population of over 1.3 million. The Airport's overall catchment area includes southern Vermont and western Massachusetts and extends west to Syracuse, north to the Canadian Border, south to the lower Hudson Valley and Binghamton.
-30-
